Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Mon 13 April 2026 9:10, UK

Leeds United Women‘s automatic promotion hopes are all but over for another year after a damaging 2-1 loss to Norton & Stockton Ancient at Elland Road.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play when Louise Atkinson’s strike took a wicked deflection off Leeds captain Shauna Legge in the 24th minute.

The 4,000-strong crowd had something to cheer about on the stroke of half-time when Chloe Dixon’s free-kick sailed into the goal from more than 20 yards out.

Simon Wood’s team pushed for an all-important winner, but the away side claimed all three points when the dangerous Atkinson won her side a penalty from an Izzy Elliott foul, and Bianca Owens scored the resulting 82nd-minute spot-kick.

Leeds round off their league season at Stockport County Ladies, as a big opportunity passed them by on Sunday afternoon.

Leeds hope for play-offs after ‘frustrating’ defeat

In their penultimate National League Division One North fixture of the campaign, Leeds knew they had to win to keep the pressure on table toppers Huddersfield Town, who have two games in hand.

But Wood’s team couldn’t break down the stubborn away side as they ended the day in second.

They remain one point behind Huddersfield, who had two points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.

But their Yorkshire rivals have three games left, while Leeds are set for their final league fixture. To make matters worse, Cheadle Town Stingers have two games in hand on Leeds, too.

Even if Leeds beat Stockport, Cheadle just need to pick up five points from their final three matches to take the last promotion play-off spot.

Naturally, Wood cut a frustrated figure after Sunday’s setback.

He told Leeds’ media: “We started slowly, but sometimes you have got to make your own luck in this game, and we did not do enough today, probably, to earn the victory.

“There is some real frustration within the group after the game, and the players are disappointed because it is a big occasion.”

Leeds eye silverware and promotion

Leeds take a break from league action next time out, as they have a West Riding FA County Cup semi-final to look forward to next Sunday.

Then, on 26 April, they travel to Edgeley Park to face Stockport as they try to keep their slim promotion hopes alive.

Hughes couldn’t contain her disappointment, but vowed to finish the season on a high.

She said, “It is massively disappointing. I think we knew how important today was as an occasion, but also the impact it would have on the league. We are going to keep fighting until the last minute of the last game, but today is a big knock. It has been a season of ups and downs.

“If we can end on a high and give ourselves the best chance of still making the play-offs, I think that is what is really important, and it will do the team and the performances justice.

“Every single week, we are taking it game by game, competition by competition. We will shake off today and refocus, then we will go again next Sunday.”

Leeds had hoped to get promoted after missing out again last year, but that wait is likely to continue.